How to Become a Doctor in Canada in 2026

Kritika Pandey

5 min read

Updated On Jan 27, 2026

Wondering how to become a doctor in Canada? Scroll through and get a detailed process, the necessary in-demand skills, and the average salary for a doctor in Canada.

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8 Steps to Become a Doctor in Canada from India
Must-Have In-Demand Skills to Become a Doctor in Canada
Average Salary for Doctors in Canada
Immigration Pathways for Doctors in Canada
Get Ready to Work in Canada as a Doctor with GetGIS Assistance!

Wondering how to become a doctor in Canada? Becoming a doctor in Canada is a fulfilling journey that offers the chance to contribute to a world-class healthcare system.

In 2026, Canada will open more than 5,000 vacancies for doctors, highlighting opportunities for both domestic and international aspirants. So the answer to your ‘how do I become a doctor in Canada? ' is here. The process involves rigorous education, licensing, and residency. This guide will help you find the right steps to start your journey towards becoming a doctor in Canada.

8 Steps to Become a Doctor in Canada from India

Becoming a doctor in Canada requires a structured approach - starting from obtaining a relevant undergraduate degree to completing residency and licensing requirements.

Whether you are a domestic student or an international medical graduate, following these 8 essential steps will guide you towards achieving your dream of practicing medicine in Canada

Step 1 - Obtain a Medical Degree

To become a doctor in Canada, you must have a medical degree from a recognized medical school. Ensure that your medical degree is from a university recognised by the world directory of medical schools (WDOMS). Ensure to maintain a strong academic report as it is essential for eligibility in Canadian medical programs or assessments.

Do not forget to explore our comprehensive blog to grasp all the necessary insights about medical courses in Canada after 12th

Step 2: Get Your Medical Degree Verified

To register with physicians apply Canada applicants would need to create an account on the physicians apply portal. Have your medical degrees and transcripts sent directly from your medical school to the medical council of Canada. Mc for verification.

The document verification process fees for doctors in Canada is approximately about CAD 170

Step 3: Pass the Medical Council of Canada Examination

The MCCQE exam is a mandatory exam for foreign-trained doctors seeking licensure in Canada.

MCCQE Part 1:

Tests medical knowledge and clinical decision making.
Conducted online in various countries including India
Registration Fee: CAD 1,393

MCCQE Part 2 (Optional)

Assesses clinical skills and readiness for residency
Typically completed after residency

Step 4: Complete the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Exam

The NAC exam is required for international medical graduates (IMGs) to apply for residency programs in Canada.

The purpose of the NAC exam is to evaluate the applicant’s clinical skills in a simulated Canadian healthcare environment. The fee for the NAC exam is approximately about CAD 2,945

Step 5: Apply for Canadian Residency Programs

Applicants can use the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) portal to apply for residency programs. The application process includes submission of documents like

Verified Academic transcripts
NAC exam results
Letter of Recommendation
Personal Statement

The residency program may also require the applicants to attend interviews as part of the selection process.

Step 6: Complete Residency Program in Canada

MBBS doctors from abroad, would need to complete a residency program in Canada, the duration to which varies between 2-5 years based on the speciality. Resident students would receive a salary during their training.

Step 7: Obtain a Medical Licence

Once you have completed your residency, you would need to pass the certification exams conducted by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians (CFPC), depending on your speciality.

Post that you would need to register with the medical regulatory authority in the province or territory where you intend to practice.

Step 8: Start Practicing and Maintain your Medical License

To maintain your medical licence, you must continue to meet the requirements set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons. This may include continuing medical education, participating in regular assessments, and maintaining good standing with the College.

Must-Have In-Demand Skills to Become a Doctor in Canada

As part of becoming a doctor in Canada, it is required to have these in-demand skills to ensure a smooth and fast transition in your career. The table below gives you clear insights into the in-demand skills required to become a doctor in Canada.

Skill	Description
Medical Knowledge	Comprehensive understanding of medical principles, procedures, and protocols.
Clinical Skills	Proficiency in conducting physical examinations, diagnosing illnesses, and prescribing treatments.
Communication	Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
Empathy	Capacity to empathize with patients, understanding their concerns and emotions.
Problem-Solving	Aptitude to analyze complex medical situations and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Collaboration	Willingness to collaborate with other healthcare professionals for holistic patient care.
Adaptability	Capability to adapt to new medical technologies, treatments, and changing healthcare environments.
Ethics	Adherence to medical ethics and standards, maintaining patient confidentiality and integrity in medical practice.
Leadership	Leadership qualities to guide medical teams, make critical decisions, and inspire confidence in patient care.
Continuous Learning	Commitment to lifelong learning to stay updated with advancements in medical research, treatments, and technologies.

Also Read: Canada Immigration for Doctors

Average Salary for Doctors in Canada

The salary of a medical doctor in Canada varies based on region, experience, and location. Here are the average medical doctor salary in Canada:

Community/Area	Low (CAD/year)	Median (CAD/year)	High (CAD/year)
Canada	90,826	232,227	435,240
Alberta	66,798	178,213	327,151
British Columbia	56,864	160,960	348,082
Manitoba	97,422	240,395	487,678
New Brunswick	89,344	187,297	346,082
Newfoundland and Labrador	86,738	204,492	396,356
Northwest Territories	n/a	n/a	n/a
Nova Scotia	75,058	187,135	345,667
Nunavut	n/a	n/a	n/a
Ontario	84,266	233,752	451,418
Prince Edward Island	89,508	209,676	333,708
Quebec	95,137	268,808	505,024
Yukon Territory	82,632	219,382	424,378

Immigration Pathways for Doctors in Canada

If you are a medical doctor who hasn’t worked in Canada, you can apply to any of these pathways to begin journey of becoming a doctor in Canada. Key requirements include credential assessment and provincial/territorial licensing before practising. Several programmes offer routes to permanent residence, primarily requiring job offers or specific eligibility.

Program	Key Eligibility Criteria	Target Location/Notes
Provincial Nominee Program	Job offer or letter of support as a medical doctor	Any province/territory; up to 5,000 federal spaces reserved for doctors with offers.
Express Entry	Eligible for one of 3 Express Entry programs + medical doctor experience (no job offer needed)	Nationwide; managed through federal system.
Atlantic Immigration Program	Work experience or post-secondary education in Atlantic Canada + job offer from designated employer	Atlantic Canada provinces
Rural Community Immigration Pilot	1+ year doctor experience in last 3 years OR eligible post-secondary graduation + job offer from designated employer	Smaller rural communities.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot	1+ year doctor experience in last 3 years OR eligible post-secondary graduation + job offer from designated employer + French communication skills	Francophone communities outside Quebec

Get Ready to Work in Canada as a Doctor with GetGIS Assistance!

Becoming a doctor in Canada from India requires dedication and perseverance, but the end result is a rewarding career as a medical doctor in Canada. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve your goal of practicing medicine in Canada. And if you want an expert’s guidance on how to become a doctor in Canada from India then GetGIS is here for you.

GetGIS has certified immigration experts who can help you choose the best immigration program as per your profile and can guide you to work as a doctor in Canada.

Book Your Free Consultation

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become doctor in Canada?

Becoming a doctor in Canada takes 10 to 15 years of post-secondary education and training. The path includes a 3-4 year bachelor's degree, 4 years of medical school, and 2–7 years of residency training depending on the speciality.

What is the fastest way to become a doctor in Canada?

The fastest way to become a doctor in Canada involves intense focus on academics (undergrad in science/health, high CGPA, excelling on MCAT, getting into and finishing med school) passing licensing exams, and completing residency (2-5+ yrs), with some acceleration possible by applying to med school after 3 years of undergrad or through specific IMG (International Medical Graduate) pathways like Practice Ready Assessments if already trained abroad, but generally, it's a decade-long process post-high school.

What is the new policy for doctors in Canada?

Canada introduced major immigration reforms to accelerate permanent residency for international doctors, featuring a dedicated Express Entry category for those with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience, 5,000 reserved provincial nomination spots, and 14-day work permit processing to address chronic healthcare shortages.

What are the Express Entry routes for Doctors in Canada

Canada offers several Express Entry routes for doctors, including a new dedicated stream starting in early 2026 for those with Canadian work experience, category-based selection draws for health occupations, and enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathways.

What is the doctor's PR pathway in Canada?

Canada is starting dedicated Express Entry pathways for international doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience. Key pathways include a faster Express Entry route and 5,000 reserved Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Do medical schools in Canada accept Indian Students?

Yes, medical schools in Canada do accept Indian students. However, the specific requirements for admission vary among different schools. Indian students who wish to study medicine in Canada will typically need to meet certain academic criteria and may also need to demonstrate proficiency in English and/or French

What is a Canadian resident matching service?

The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) is a national, independent, not-for-profit organization that provides a fair, objective, and transparent application and matching service for medical training throughout Canada. It matches medical students and graduates with residency programs in various medical specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and others. CaRMS facilitates the application and selection process to ensure that both the program and the candidate are well-suited for each other.